I completely agree. Instagram has basically become like TV for me. It's cool to waste a few minutes a day there, but it's unfulfilling and ultimately doesn't benefit your life much. You may get some useful information, but it can be found elsewhere.
I'm not a proper photographer, I just did it as a hobby and to meet new people, and you can't even do that anymore. People are too concerned with creating, and you get no reach. It also has limited benefit as a promotional tool.
I finally said "fuck Instagram" when I had to screenshot my own photos as Instagram automatically added a filter to them. We need more social media platforms that are good at doing 1 thing, and not trying to do everything.
Instagram as TV is a good way of putting it. If I were to audit my time spent, it’s mostly to waste time rather than to take in art. Not to say I don’t watch something profound on the Criterion Channel here and there, but most of what I watch is forgettable in one way or another.
I loved this. It’s been on my mind so much lately. As an artist the thought of cutting out social media leaves me wondering… well then how do I do this job?
I actually think artists don’t need social media to be successful, in fact, I’ve met plenty that have a minimal social media presence and they are very successful. The key is building a network of whoever your target audience is. It’s all about having a specific strategy based on who you’re trying to reach, and not everyone you’re trying to reach uses social media themselves
I don’t unfortunately since I don’t live in that world. But I read something interesting recently about the business of touring acts and how people are making it now by touring in medium sized cities or something like that. Wish I could be more of a help! I’m more in the selling artworks world than the music world.
So are photographers generally viewing YouTube and Substack as better places to share? Are there any other viable alternatives? Creating your own community like Craig Mod?
I think they are better places to share, because they contain a photography interested audience, but they also have a much broader group of people to reach as well. I struggle with the photography-focused social media platforms because you’re really only able to reach one type of person.
My goal has always been to cater to people who love photography like I do, but also find new people and get them interested in photography through my work as well.
I've been on IG since 2020 and I've had too many headaches with it. A few good moments here and there but I'm listening to more people explain how the platform has changed and not ideal for visual artists.
I'm not on it as much as I used to be but I still share my work. Lately, I've been thinking about letting it go like I did with FB, Threads and LinkedIn. Now, I use it mainly to see what new art opportunities are popping up locally.
I’m finding it’s often a big distraction from actually creating the work more and more. At the very least making it less of a priority I think is a good move!
I've been trying to grow my Instagram account for the past 1.5 years, but it's been struggling over the last 6-9 months, and it's no longer worth spending a lot of time trying to perfect it.
“I’m a long-form guy, in a short-form world.” You summed up how I feel a lot of the time!
IG’s problem is greed, I reckon. They were very good at what they did, but then TikTok came along with short form vertical video (ugh) and they wanted some of that too. And some of everything else that had some success in the social media space.
This was so good. So many people only discuss their personal need to step back from Instagram. Which is important, but I loved your process of explaining why this platform isn’t what you need as a certain type of creative, and walking us through that. I personally have been re-evaluating social media myself. Finding a lot more joy on substack and presence. It also just fits what I’m doing more. Thanks for this article ! I learned a lot too.
Glad you enjoyed it! I think the goal should be to just share in whatever way fits us best. I see a lot of people stressing about fitting into the Instagram box when all that stress may never really pay off. There are so many more satisfying ways to share nowadays
Yes! Exactly. That’s why I really enjoyed your article, it gave me room to think about why do I use Instagram? And what kind of platform do I want to use. Keep up the great writing !
love this! i really identify with your statement on being a long-form guy in a short-form world; recently (finally) deactivated my personal instagram and am also dedicating more time to other platforms like substack. great post!!
I stopped posting on IG in 2021, and have no plans to go back. I am inclined to agree with you that Instagram wasn't made for photographers, but it has definitely *benefitted* from photographers (though it has never had any intention of acknowledging that fact). Instagram is definitely for amusement, and for the most part, an "everything app" for visuals and video. I use it as intended, to share funny videos with my friends and inspirational notes to my stories. That's about it. My effort goes into longform media, and I recommend that for everyone.
I agree with all of that. The only reason I still post on IG is that I have my Facebook set to automatically share whatever I post on FB to IG. I figure it can't hurt.
Instagram is a wild place. I find it useful to be there and connect with people from it, but other than posting a photo per day and using it for messaging, it doesn't serve the purpose it used to for discovery. That's fine. I would be lying if I said I didn't want my work to perform better the, but the less I stress about it and let go, the better it is.
I recently decided to give Instagram another try but already wandering why am I wasting precious tine 😱
I completely agree. Instagram has basically become like TV for me. It's cool to waste a few minutes a day there, but it's unfulfilling and ultimately doesn't benefit your life much. You may get some useful information, but it can be found elsewhere.
I'm not a proper photographer, I just did it as a hobby and to meet new people, and you can't even do that anymore. People are too concerned with creating, and you get no reach. It also has limited benefit as a promotional tool.
I finally said "fuck Instagram" when I had to screenshot my own photos as Instagram automatically added a filter to them. We need more social media platforms that are good at doing 1 thing, and not trying to do everything.
Great post & podcast. I look forward to more.
Instagram as TV is a good way of putting it. If I were to audit my time spent, it’s mostly to waste time rather than to take in art. Not to say I don’t watch something profound on the Criterion Channel here and there, but most of what I watch is forgettable in one way or another.
Glad you enjoyed the episode!
I loved this. It’s been on my mind so much lately. As an artist the thought of cutting out social media leaves me wondering… well then how do I do this job?
I actually think artists don’t need social media to be successful, in fact, I’ve met plenty that have a minimal social media presence and they are very successful. The key is building a network of whoever your target audience is. It’s all about having a specific strategy based on who you’re trying to reach, and not everyone you’re trying to reach uses social media themselves
I’d love to talk to a touring musician that’s made that leap. Any recommendations?
I don’t unfortunately since I don’t live in that world. But I read something interesting recently about the business of touring acts and how people are making it now by touring in medium sized cities or something like that. Wish I could be more of a help! I’m more in the selling artworks world than the music world.
So are photographers generally viewing YouTube and Substack as better places to share? Are there any other viable alternatives? Creating your own community like Craig Mod?
I think they are better places to share, because they contain a photography interested audience, but they also have a much broader group of people to reach as well. I struggle with the photography-focused social media platforms because you’re really only able to reach one type of person.
My goal has always been to cater to people who love photography like I do, but also find new people and get them interested in photography through my work as well.
I've been on IG since 2020 and I've had too many headaches with it. A few good moments here and there but I'm listening to more people explain how the platform has changed and not ideal for visual artists.
I'm not on it as much as I used to be but I still share my work. Lately, I've been thinking about letting it go like I did with FB, Threads and LinkedIn. Now, I use it mainly to see what new art opportunities are popping up locally.
I’m finding it’s often a big distraction from actually creating the work more and more. At the very least making it less of a priority I think is a good move!
I agree. It's very easy to get distracted and overwhelmed with it.
I've been trying to grow my Instagram account for the past 1.5 years, but it's been struggling over the last 6-9 months, and it's no longer worth spending a lot of time trying to perfect it.
“I’m a long-form guy, in a short-form world.” You summed up how I feel a lot of the time!
IG’s problem is greed, I reckon. They were very good at what they did, but then TikTok came along with short form vertical video (ugh) and they wanted some of that too. And some of everything else that had some success in the social media space.
Yeah, I think Meta just wants to be a monopoly ultimately, which sucks for everyone else
This was so good. So many people only discuss their personal need to step back from Instagram. Which is important, but I loved your process of explaining why this platform isn’t what you need as a certain type of creative, and walking us through that. I personally have been re-evaluating social media myself. Finding a lot more joy on substack and presence. It also just fits what I’m doing more. Thanks for this article ! I learned a lot too.
Glad you enjoyed it! I think the goal should be to just share in whatever way fits us best. I see a lot of people stressing about fitting into the Instagram box when all that stress may never really pay off. There are so many more satisfying ways to share nowadays
Yes! Exactly. That’s why I really enjoyed your article, it gave me room to think about why do I use Instagram? And what kind of platform do I want to use. Keep up the great writing !
in 2025, you'd literally say "hey guys i breathe" and somebody will say "girl monetize it"
People have forgotten what is like to enjoy art. Now everything's got a price tag
love this! i really identify with your statement on being a long-form guy in a short-form world; recently (finally) deactivated my personal instagram and am also dedicating more time to other platforms like substack. great post!!
Long form is the future! Glad you enjoyed the episode!
I stopped posting on IG in 2021, and have no plans to go back. I am inclined to agree with you that Instagram wasn't made for photographers, but it has definitely *benefitted* from photographers (though it has never had any intention of acknowledging that fact). Instagram is definitely for amusement, and for the most part, an "everything app" for visuals and video. I use it as intended, to share funny videos with my friends and inspirational notes to my stories. That's about it. My effort goes into longform media, and I recommend that for everyone.
I totally agree! Nice thoughts man!
I agree with all of that. The only reason I still post on IG is that I have my Facebook set to automatically share whatever I post on FB to IG. I figure it can't hurt.
Good stuff!
Instagram is a wild place. I find it useful to be there and connect with people from it, but other than posting a photo per day and using it for messaging, it doesn't serve the purpose it used to for discovery. That's fine. I would be lying if I said I didn't want my work to perform better the, but the less I stress about it and let go, the better it is.
Lo que está de moda ahora es Threads.